Hi guys,
So I know this doesn't sound like a machine thread but I think it actually makes sense to approach the material discussion based on a specific machine. What machines beautifully on a huge CNC with fast, constant surface speed, coolant and carbide tooling may not a a smaller manual operated with HSS tools equiped garage lathe.
So I have a PM-1236 equiped with a good BXA QCTP and carbide tools. I have steel inserts as well as aluminium specific inserts. No coolant yet. Obviously no CNC, no variable speed etc. 1800rpm is the max I can crank it up. Machining mostly around 1" to 2" parts.
Aluminium is easy : 6061 default, 7075 if something nicer is needed. I don't like to have too many stocks so I stick to those two only.
Now,
I am looking for an all around, defaut go-to steel alloy that :
- machines to a nice finish
- machines easily or reasonably easily on this class of machine (drilling ? parting ? threading ? tapping? ), no headache, chips fine... remember : I have no cooling
- is no too bad regarding rust
- mechanicaly good enough for general mechanical non-critical parts. Serious step up from 7075 aluminium expected.
I have easy access to 4140 pre-treated (medium hardness) and 1035.
4140 looks like the way to go but is it going to machine well on this setup ?
Any other recommendation ?
What is you go-to material on this class of lathe.
Any input appreciated.
Cheers
So I know this doesn't sound like a machine thread but I think it actually makes sense to approach the material discussion based on a specific machine. What machines beautifully on a huge CNC with fast, constant surface speed, coolant and carbide tooling may not a a smaller manual operated with HSS tools equiped garage lathe.
So I have a PM-1236 equiped with a good BXA QCTP and carbide tools. I have steel inserts as well as aluminium specific inserts. No coolant yet. Obviously no CNC, no variable speed etc. 1800rpm is the max I can crank it up. Machining mostly around 1" to 2" parts.
Aluminium is easy : 6061 default, 7075 if something nicer is needed. I don't like to have too many stocks so I stick to those two only.
Now,
I am looking for an all around, defaut go-to steel alloy that :
- machines to a nice finish
- machines easily or reasonably easily on this class of machine (drilling ? parting ? threading ? tapping? ), no headache, chips fine... remember : I have no cooling
- is no too bad regarding rust
- mechanicaly good enough for general mechanical non-critical parts. Serious step up from 7075 aluminium expected.
I have easy access to 4140 pre-treated (medium hardness) and 1035.
4140 looks like the way to go but is it going to machine well on this setup ?
Any other recommendation ?
What is you go-to material on this class of lathe.
Any input appreciated.
Cheers